Many people in Southern California are familiar with Palm Springs and Indio, both of which were made ultra-popular thanks to Coachella. Surprisingly, despite how popular those cities are, not many homebuyers are as familiar with nearby Palm Desert. 

Like Palm Springs and Indio, Palm Desert is known for its hot springs, trendy spas and hotels, and it’s seemingly endless summer—all of which make the city perfect for a unique weekend getaway. However, Palm Desert is also home to some of the best golf course communities in the country. Whether you’re a pro or a novice golfer, living in Palm Desert is the ultimate haven for golf lovers.

Here are five popular golf course communities in Palm Desert for homebuyers to consider.

 A golf course in Palm Desert

Indian Ridge

Indian Ridge, located in the heart of Coachella Valley, is one of Palm Desert’s premiere golf course communities. Spanning over 600 acres, there are approximately 1,068 attached or single-family homes in Indian Ridge, many of which were built in the 1990s.

Indian Ridge is also home to the Indian Ridge Country Club, a private club within the gated community that offers lavish amenities, a beautifully manicured golf course, and scenic mountain views. As if living near two 18-hole golf courses wasn’t enough, residents also have access to amenities such as a world-class spa, tennis courts, fitness facilities, dining options, a private dog park, as well as pickleball and bocce ball courts. This golf course community is situated near Palm Springs International Airport and shopping on El Paseo. Residents in this development also have easy access to the 10 freeway.

Homebuyers looking to live in this well-appointed golf course community can expect to pay from the high $300s for a small two-bed, two-bath attached home to $2.9 million for a spacious single-family home with four bedrooms and five bathrooms. 

The Palm Desert Country Club

East of Indian Ridge, near Bermuda Dunes, there’s another premier country club and residential development called The Palm Desert Country Club. This golf course community has been a presence in Palm Desert for over 50 years, and it’s considered by locals as one of the best public golf courses in Coachella Valley. The golf course features an 18-hole, par 72 layout with double-wide and tree-lined fairways surrounded by lush greenery and scenic mountain views. 

The residential development features over 900 mid-sized homes with a variety of floorplans ranging from 821 to 1,360 square feet. Homes come equipped with private patios, gourmet kitchens, and stainless steel appliances. Although the golf course is public, residents have exclusive access to the country club’s full-service clubhouse which includes a restaurant offering American pub-style fare and cocktails as well as live music on the fire-lit patio on Friday and Saturday evenings.

Home prices in this neighborhood range from the mid $200s to mid $400s.

Ironwood Country Club

A bit farther east, tucked in the foothills of the Santa Rosa Mountains, is the members-only golf community Ironwood Country Club. This charming club and course was developed on roughly 800 acres of greenspace, and residents enjoy seemingly endless mountain and valley views. Residents also have access to two 18-hole golf courses as well as well-appointed amenities, which include tennis, fitness, dining, and spa facilities, at the community’s Tuscan-inspired clubhouse.

From attached homes to lavish single-family estates, both on and off the golf courses, real estate at Ironwood is appealing to homebuyers due to the community’s individual charm and distinctive architecture. With a median sale price in the low $400s, Ironwood Country Club offers beautiful desert homes.

Bighorn Golf Club

Bighorn Golf Club is situated just south of Indian Ridge and the Palm Desert Country Club, near Cahuilla Hills, the Santa Rosa and Santa Jacinto mountains, and the 74 freeway. This private golf community boasts scenic views and offers members one of the most extravagant golf clubhouses in the country. 

Residents in this community have access to world-class amenities, including an 80,000 square-foot clubhouse, championship golf courses and programs, interactive athletic courts, a spa and wellness center, a kiddy play park, and even private jet and transportation services.

With a median sale price at $2.6 million, Bighorn consists of lavish, high-value homes, all featuring luxurious and modern designs that blend with the community’s elegant setting.

Monterey Country Club

Monterey Country Club, a reputable and private golf course community, is on Palm Desert’s west side near Rancho Mirage. It features a 27-hole Ted Robinson Jr.-designed championship golf course as well as modern, upscale amenities that complement the golf lifestyle within Palm Desert.

Residents at Monterey Country Club have access to an impressive Spanish Colonial-style clubhouse, featuring a private, members-only dining room, a bar, and a full-service golf shop. In addition to the clubhouse, members also have access to golf practice facilities, 15 lighted tennis courts, pickleball courts, a fitness center, an outdoor swimming pool, and plenty of social events. 

With a median sale price in the low $300s as well as a variety of home styles, homebuyers interested in living in this golf course community will likely find an affordable home that fits their price range.